Graduation year: 2015
Hometown: Washington, IL
Major: English Education
Position on SG: Sophomore Class VP
Involvement at Wheaton: In addition to Student Government, Wheaton Improv, intramural ultimate frisbee, and leading a discipleship small group on my floor.
Why SG? SG offers a practical opportunity to serve and represent the student community I love, in addition to providing a space for professional, leadership development. Plus, it's really a whole lot of fun!
About me: I was born in Peoria IL, and raised wandering the endless, expansive cornfields of central Illinois surrounding my small suburb town of Washington. I was a total tomboy growing up, which was necessary in order to compete with my two brothers, Ben (age 21) and Weston (age 17). My dad, Lee Kinsinger, a family physician, and my mom, Laurie Kinsinger, a former teacher, raised my two brothers and me to love the Lord, people and learning. Homeschooled until my sophomore year, I graduated from Peoria Christian High School in 2011. My older brother, Ben, currently studies at Wheaton as well; visiting and exploring campus with him was key in drawing me to choose to attend Wheaton myself. After completing an undergraduate degree in English Secondary Education with a minor in Spanish, I plan on getting a masters in ESL, and teaching English abroad.
Why Wheaton? I was drawn to Wheaton as an academically rigorous college with a unique emphasis on spiritual community. I wanted to attend a college which would not only challenge my intellect, but also my faith and the way in which I understand and love others. So much of the college learning experience is defined by relationships; I have found that I have personally grown as much through the faith community of Wheaton College as through my classes. Plus, I'm a huge Chicago fan; the ability to buy a weekend Metra pass and spend the weekend downtown was a definite draw for me!
When you’re not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus? When I'm not studying, working on a project for Student Government, or practicing improv, you can fairly predictably find me: a. In warm weather, laying out on Fischer lawn with friends, sweet tea, and a book. b. In cold weather, chilling on a couch in Fischer basement with friends, earl grey tea, and a book.
How has the Wheaton Community impacted you? The many other students, res life staff, faculty and administrators with whom I have had the pleasure of building relationships. Giving and receiving support and advice from others and growing through mentoring relationships have been foundational in my spiritual, relational, and identity formation at college.